While on our recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood we noticed there was a definite range of styles. Now I am not saying everyone should wear what I suggest or the same thing but there were some serious flaws in outfit choices. While we were there I also couldn’t help but think that maybe people really didn’t know what to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood. Here are some helpful tips…
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Things To Consider When Planning What To Wear The Universal Studios Hollywood
Weather
Depending on the time of year you plan to visit you want to dress accordingly. For us being from the UK, any LA weather was going to be warm compared to what we have back home. I have included a screenshot of the weather averages over the year in La.
For the cooler months, I would still stay away from heavy clothing such as jeans and thick jumpers. Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be comfortable. I would suggest wearing layers so that you can add on and take off when you want.
Comfort
I am all about comfort, I am not a big fashion follower and for long days or travelling, I need 100% comfort. While the park is nowhere near the size of the Universal Studios Orlando it is still big enough to require comfortable clothing. What to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood is totally your choice at the end of the day. It really depends on what you call comfortable, you want to remember that you generally want to be wearing these clothes for the day and into the evening.
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Alternatively, ladies, if you are wanting to look a little more summery or t-shirt and shorts aren’t what you’re most comfortable in, try a dress. I have plenty of stretchy jersey dresses or loose cotton dresses that are appropriate to wear. During our time at the park, I saw plenty of women and girls wearing lovely summer dresses. If you still want to have a little security underneath you can always add a thin pair of shorts. This is a good idea if you’re worried about flashing when on a ride or just for added comfort.
Water Rides
If you are planning on going on the water rides I would maybe pack an extra t-shirt or wear something quite light so it dries quick. This doesn’t bother some people and if you are visiting in the hotter months, your shirt will dry pretty fast. If you aren’t a t-shirt person you could try linen shirts or thin blouses, these are easily just as comfortable and easy to wear.
Also if you plan to go see the amazing Water World show, which I recommend you do. Sitting in the front seats means getting wet and not just wet but soaked. If you plan to stay dry all day look for the silver seats, you won’t get wet there.
What To Wear To Universal Studios Hollywood
Shorts, Trousers & Skirts
In my case, I would suggest shorts, whether they be a lightweight denim, cotton or khaki. Shorts are a great way to start as you can do plenty of walking and they are practical for climbing on and off rides. Shorts can be any number of lengths too, Though mine are classed as short shorts, I find them very comfortable and not too revealing on the bottom.
If you don’t like wearing shorts for any reason and prefer something a little different tryout linen trousers. Linen trousers are great as they are easy to wear, cool and dry quick. They also look quite smart if you are planning on going for a nice meal after the theme park.
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For the cooler months why not try things like thin joggers or gym leggings. I found a great pair from Craghoppers that are comfortable, breathable and dry quickly. You can find great gym gear anywhere and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Take a look at any supermarket range such as Asda, Tesco or even try Primark. You can then layer up the top half with a vest/ t-shirt with a thin hoodie or jacket.
Alternatively, skirts can be just as comfortable. Jersey skater style skirts are great as the material is easy to wear and the stretch really gives you the freedom to move. The only downside to this kind of material is harder to get dry after getting wet.
Tops
To go with your shorts you want t-shirts or vests. I would take into consideration the weather and if you burn easily. Yes, you can wear suncream, I encourage it but if you are easily burnt I would wear a t-shirt. I like to wear something loose and easy as I don’t want to feel too restricted.
Though I wouldn’t say this is something you need to consider, I would say it is handy to know. I am forever seeing things in theme parks and would love to buy but it is expensive. You can also add style with a bit of Harry Potter or Minions and you can do it cheaper than you expect.
If you are super fans of anything particular at Universal Studios then this is your chance to go crazy. Universal Studios is a great place to geek out on themed t-shirts and merchandise. We found some of the best places to find cheap affordable themed merchandise is either Primark for the UK fans or Hot Topic for American fans.
We love wearing themed t-shirts for our theme park days and it is a great way to keep the family together. Many people get t-shirts made with the same colour and logo or family name on so that you can spot each other from a distance and in case of being lost. It is very popular for large groups and school visits to use this method too.
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If you aren’t a t-shirt kind of person then things like cotton shirts or linen blouses are a great way to keep cool and comfortable. There are plenty of places you can find thin and light blouses/shirts to wear that will be suitable for a day at the park.
Alternatives
If you are wanting to wear something a little looser why not try a jersey or cotton dress. You can wear a dress on its own, with a small pair of shorts underneath or leggings for the colder months. The leggings are great because they are stretchy and move with you and the dress gives you great loose coverage.
The dress can be a great option when knowing what to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood so you can look and feel more dressy. Also if you plan to be more of a chaperone to the children for the day or if you are wanting to look a little more dressy for a meal at Citywalk after.
Don’t forget in the cooler months you can add a jacket, light rain jacket or pack a mac to your bag. Pack- a-macs are great as they don’t take up too much room and you can even use these for the water rides. I would definitely pack in a jacket for the cooler months even if it is just for the ride home after the sun sets. This is a great tip for knowing what to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood in the colder months.
Footwear
No matter what your style is, footwear has to be one of the most important parts of knowing what to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood. I will admit I saw some women in stiletto/ high heels and was amazed at how they were walking around the park and not dying.
We always wear trainers, we have a couple of pairs of lightweight trainers that are great. I tend to go for running trainers as they are lightweight, comfortable and breathable. We have also worn flip-flops before but prefer my trainers as they are easy to wear all day and night.
I would also recommend sandals but something a little more practical. Though I have mentioned that the Universal Studios Hollywood park is much smaller than the Universal Studios Orlando park, I would still think practical on footwear. I saw plenty of people wearing stable sandals such as Birkenstocks or Merrell.
Accessories
I would suggest taking / wearing a hat, whether this is a straw hat or a baseball cap. When you are walking around all day the sun is always above you. The first part of your body the sun will hit is your head so it is good to keep your head covered to stop it burning. I would also suggest wearing/packing sunglasses, your eyes are just as important to protect as your body.
When deciding what to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood remember you will probably want to take a bag. This can be a backpack, beach style bag or over the body tote bag. I would definitely take a bag to hold your items for when you go on rides, suncream and snacks if you bring your own. I wouldn’t say every person needs one, only if you are bringing extra clothes or snacks you may require another bag.
Children
While we don’t often talk about travelling with children this is an exception. What to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood also applies to the kids as it is a family theme park. There is a large section within the park dedicated to a flat waterpark area for the children. It was filled with fountains and water jets to help cool down the kids.
With this in mind, I would highly suggest packing/wearing a swimsuit. If the kids decide to wear their swimsuit, I would pack some extra underwear for them to change into for the rest of the day. I would also pack a towel as they will be soaked and while they dry off it will give them some shelter from the sun.
The floor is soft and safe for them to run around on but if you prefer footwear, I would suggest a pair of water safe shoes or sandals. This will just give them that added protection against the floor.
To help you pack what to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood check out the Universal Studios packing list below for helpful tips and ideas.
Universal Studios Packing List
If you have been to Universal Studios Hollywood before and had your own Universal Studios packing list let us know in the comments below. If you can think of anything you think should be on our what to wear to Universal Studios Hollywood let us know and we will add it in.
